In this study we will be looking at just a few prophecies from the Old Testament which focus on Messiah. The Encyclopedia Britannica says the eschatology of the Old Testament is closely connected with their Messianic hope. Ency Brit 8:702 We will be studying these “Messianic prophecies” as evidences from “before” Bethlehem about the Person and work of Christ. We will begin by reviewing some basics about Bible prophecy.

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:9-10

This passage in Isaiah was revealed in a historical context. Isaiah’s day barely preceded Babylon’s intrusion into Palestine. There was much uncertainty, confusion and pain among God’s people. They had for centuries turned from their historic faith to a pluralistic religion. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel faithfully foretold the coming captivity into oblivion for the northern kingdom in B.C. 721, and of the capture of the southern kingdom in 586. Jer 32, Ezek 36 Unfortunately, these men of God were not the only voices speaking in their time. The “board rooms” and “oval offices” of the period were filled with false prophets giving messages anticipating victory, peace and prosperity to the mounting threats they were all facing. God’s prophets were outnumbered and were portrayed by these kings and leaders as dangerous traitors and enemies of God’s people.

In the midst of this confusion God sent out a challenge to His people and these false prophets they loved, “Set forth your case, says the LORD: bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.” Isaiah added “let them bring them and tell us what is going to happen.” Isa 41:21-23 In the next verse Yahweh their God concluded His challenge, “Behold you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; he who chooses you is an abomination.” Isa 41:24 God then revealed to His people that day how He reacts to false prophets and their prophecies. God “frustrates the omens of liars, and makes fools of diviners; who turns wise men back, and makes their knowledge foolish.” Isa 41:25 After God put His challenge out before the people He rightly concluded, “But when I look there is no one; among these there is no counselor who, when I ask, gives an answer. Behold they are in a delusion; their works are nothing; their molten images are empty wind.” Isa 41:28-29 God did fulfill His purposes with His people fulfilling His specified 70 years of punishment under the Palestinian covenant. Deu 27-30

Even in this great time of colossal judgment we see evidence of God’s love. In His mercy He did not abandon His people. He addressed them through Ezekiel on the Chebar Canal on the Euphrates in Babylon. He spoke through Daniel at the foot of Babylon’s throne. He delivered His people by placing Esther a Jewess on Persia’s throne. At the end of the 70 years of judgment, God restored the southern kingdom to Jerusalem, restored the Word of God, and rebuilt the temple.

INTEGRITY OF BIBLE PROPHECY

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

In a previous chapter we saw how God chose to be known by His names in the Old Testament: “Righteous,” “Holy” and “Truth.” A study of the way God worked through these names is evidence that the God of the Bible stands alone in history as being a God of integrity. But not everyone speaking with a Bible in their hands has integrity. Revelation is a God thought. Inspiration means God breathed. When we approach Bible prophecy we need to faithfully interpret these sacred messages with the same intended meaning in which they were given.

Biblical Harmony
One of the most amazing facts about the Bible is the harmony between both the Old and New Testaments. When Peter said, “...no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation,” 2 Pet 1:20 “No scripture is to be interpreted alone or within itself, but, rather, in harmony with all other scripture.” Systematic Theology, vol. 4, p. 297

Interpretation
We will be interpreting “literal” passages literally and “figurative” passages figuratively. When we use the word “literal” it simply means we will not obtain meaning by violating conventional rules of “grammar.”

As we examine individual Old Testament prophecies we will be studying Messianic prophecies. We will be searching these prophecies for evidences about the “Person” and “work” of Jesus Christ as He was presented “before” Bethlehem.

Since most of these prophecies were fulfilled in the New Testament, this study will present evidence of the integrity God maintains as He fulfills prophecy. The closing section of this chapter will focus on unfulfilled Old Testament prophecies of Messiah’s second advent. We fully expect God to fulfill that body of prophetic passages with the same integrity He has maintained through eternity.

Jesus' Own Testimony

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Luke 24:44

Paul’s Confirmation
From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

Acts 28:23 Paul probably stands unique today as one of the foremost Old Testament scholars. The evidence from this passage is in the fulness of the Old Testament record. Paul taught day and night about Jesus Christ from the Old Testament without running out of material..

Peters Confirmation
“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:43 Johns Testimony
“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5:39

Philips Testimony
Philip found Nathaniel and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote ﷓﷓ Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45

Lukes Testimony
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25

WHO IS MESSIAH?

So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty two weeks; . . . after the sixty two weeks the Messiah will be cut off. Dan 9:25-26

In Old Testament passages, the word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word "Mashach." Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, 1:1255-1256 Mashach means “to anoint.” In the Bible and world history, prophets, priests and kings are “anointed.” “To the spiritual mind of Isaiah the revelation is made of a true king, Immanuel, "God﷓with﷓us," Isa 7:14 who would arise out of the house of David.” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Daniel used Mashach in a passage that defined the proper period of time for the still future incarnation and death of Messiah. Dan 9:25-26 Jeremiah predicted Messiah would be called the "righteous Branch" Jer 23:5 who is to be raised unto David and be called "Yahweh is our righteousness." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, "Messiah" comes from the Greek word "Messias." Strong’s No. 3323; Dictionary of New Testament Theology, 2:334-343 Scholars say both words have equivalent meaning in the word "Christos" or “Christ.” ibid. 2:338 “Maschach” and “Christos” both mean “anointed one.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, Walvoord, p. 80; Webster's Columbia Concise Dictionary, p. 127, 454 When the Jewish rabbis translated “Maschach”into Greek, in 250 B.C. for the Septuagint Greek translation of the Old Testament, they used “Christos.” The Septuagint with Apocrypha: Greek and English, Hendrickson, 1997, Sir Lancelot C.L. Brenton, p. 1065

THE TWO ADVENTS OF CHRIST
The central theme of the entire Old Testament is the coming Messiah. In some predictions Messiah is seen as the suffering “unresisting sacrificial Lamb,” but in others a “conquering Lion” of the tribe of Judah. Dr. Chafer said, “it is important to observe that there is no separate treatment of either advent in the Old Testament, though the events are related to each other they are never confused.” Systematic Theology 4:305

While both elements of the advents of Messiah were equally clear, it was not until the arrival of Messiah as Jesus Christ that reality of the fact of two separate advents was made clear. The evidence for the existence of both advents in the Old Testament is mysterious. Mt 13:11, Eph 3:1-6 It was left to Messiah Himself to reveal the reality of both advents. Isa 61:1-3 cf. Lk 4:18-19 When Jesus quoted Isaiah at the synagogue in Nazareth at the beginning of His ministry, He only read down to the words “to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” The fact that He didn’t read the entire passage was an early evidence for the second advent. It doesn’t even appear that the angel Gabriel understood both advents when he appeared to Mary Lk 1:30-31 and revealed she was to conceive and deliver Israel’s Messiah. Gabriel’s message did not disclose both advents. Systematic Theology, vol. 4, p. 302-304

First Advent ~ Second Advent
Gen 3:15; 12:3; 17:19; 24:60; 28:19; 49:10; 2 Sam 7:16; Ps 2:2; 16:10; 22:1-18; Isa 7:13-14; 9:6; 28:16; 42:1-7; 49:1-6; 50:4-7; 52:13-53:12; 61:1; Dan 9:25-26; Hos 2:23; Mic 5:2; Hag 2:7; Zech 9:9; 11:11-13; 13:7; Mal 3:1-2; Mt 1:1, 23; 2:1-6; 4:15-16; 12:18-21; 21:1-5, 42; 26:31; 27:9-10, 34-35, 50; 28:5-6; Acts 1:9 Syst Theo 4:305 Deu 30:3; Ps 2:1-9; 24:1-10; 50:1-5; 96:10-13; 110:1; Isa 2:4, 11; 9:7; 11:10-12; 63:1-6; Jer 23:5-6; Ezek 37:21-22; Dan 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Hos 3:4-5; Mic 4:7; Zech 2:10-12; 6:12-13; 12:10; 13:6; 14:4, 9; Zeph 1:15; Joel 3:1-2, 9-11, 16;Mt 19:28; 23:39; 24:27-31; 25:5, 31-46; Mk 13:24-27; Lk 12:35-40; 17:24-36; 18:18; 21:25-28; 24:25-26; Acts 1:10-11; 15:16-18; Rom 11:25-26; 2 Thess 2:8; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Jam 5:7-8; 2 Pet 3:3-4; Jude 1:14-15; Rev 1:7-8; 2:25-28; 16:15; 19:11-21; 20:4-6; 22:20 Syst Theo 4:307-309

THE “PERSON” OF CHRIST
Dr. John Walvoord wrote, it “is of great significance as no other person in all the world ever was predicted in this way nor had such detailed prophecies.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 80 Our study will reveal that Messianic prophecies correctly present, hundreds of years in advance, important information about His birth, life, works, death, ascension, glorification, and of His still future second advent. We will begin by examining prophecies that reveal His person.

Walvoord wrote, "From the Old Testament predictions certain conclusions can be drawn relative to the person of Christ. In a word, there is an entirely adequate testimony concerning both His humanity and His deity. The revelation is not with the same clarity or force as the presentation in the New Testament, but it is nevertheless clear in its main elements." Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 87

JESUS’ HUMANITY FORETOLD

Jesus said we should begin our study with Moses so we will open from Genesis, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Gen 3:15

Moses’ Testimony
Messiah is described first as “the seed of the woman.” Gen 3:15 This is evidence of His birth as a human son of a human mother. There is evidence that “the Seed” was from a Messianic lineage beginning with Adam and Eve which can be traced through important biblical characters: such as the line of Seth, Gen 4:25 Noah, Gen 6:9 Abraham, Gen 12:1-3 Isaac, Gen 17:19 Jacob, Gen 28:14 Judah, Gen 49:10 Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and David. 2 Sam 7:12-13 Both Matthew and Luke give important genealogies. Mt 1:2-16; Lk 3:23-38

Prophets and the Psalms
Messiah’s humanity is evidenced by a predicted birth in Bethlehem. Mic 5:2 The way the Psalmist used the word “Son” to describe Messiah leaves no doubt about His humanity. Ps 2:7 Isaiah foretold that He would be “born” which is evidence for His humanity. Isa 7:14 When Malachi introduced Messiah he did so by linking Him with a human “forerunner,” whom the Gospel writers say were related giving evidence for Jesus’ humanity. Mal 3:1 Dr. Walvoord said there was a “uniform expectation of the Jews that the coming Deliverer would be a Man, born of a Jewish mother.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 87

JESUS DEITY FORETOLD

Moses’ Testimony
Moses revealed evidence for the Person of Christ as being fully God as the second person of the Trinity in the creation account. Gen 1:26 When Moses’ introduced the idea of a coming Messiah, he included evidence for Jesus’ omnipotence by saying that the head of Satanic influence would be crushed beneath Messiah’s feet. Gen 3:15

The Prophets’ Testimony
When Isaiah foretold that Messiah would be born of a woman, He used an important name in the same passage, “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” Isa 7:14 Matthew quoted this prophecy in his Gospel Mt 1:22-23 including the translation of the meaning of the name. Later in Isaiah more dimension was added to Jesus’ deity by calling Him “mighty God,” the “Everlasting Father,” and the “Prince of Peace.” Isa 9:6-7 Micah added more evidence Micah 5:2 as Dr. Walvoord said by “making the strongest possible statement of His eternal existence before His birth.” Jesus’ deity. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 88 When Malachi predicted both Messiah and John the Baptist he concluded the verse by calling Messiah “LORD”. Mal 3:1

The Psalmists’ Testimony
The Psalmist predicted Messiah will be seated at the right hand of God the Father, “The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Ps 110:1 The psalmist further predicts Messiah was to receive worship as God in heaven. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 7. for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice.” Ps 95:6﷓7 Another Psalmist predicted Messiah would comes as King of kings. Ps 2 These passages are evidence that when Messiah was revealed that He would be fully God. Another Messianic psalm predicts when Messiah appears He will be recognized as creator God unchanging forever. Ps 102:25﷓27 This passage was brought into the New Testament in a way that demonstrated Jesus Christ is eternally immutable [unchangeable]. Heb 1:10-12; Heb 13:8 Systematic Theology 1:341

JESUS BOTH GOD AND MAN

A close examination of the context of these prophecies yields another evidence for the person of Christ. In each case as biblical authors presented evidence for Messiah both His deity and His humanity were predicted in the context of the same verse! Dr. Walvoord in reviewing this evidence wrote, “the combined testimony of these passages as well as many others leave no doubt that the Messiah when He came was to be both God and Man in one Person.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 88

THE WORKS OF CHRIST FORETOLD

Messiah as Creator God
The predicted Messiah was to appear as creator God. The psalmist used language later quoted by John. “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” Ps 33:6 When the rabbis translated the Hebrew into the Greek Septuagint in 250 B.C., they used the word Logos to represent the Word just as John. Jn 1:3 The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For this is what the LORD says ﷓﷓ he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited ﷓﷓ he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Isa 45:18 Isaiah proclaimed there is only one Creator God. Paul agreed naming Him Jesus Christ. Col 1:15-17

Messiah Working at Preserving Creation
“When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. Selah” Ps 75:3

Messiah as Savior God
Moses predicted the coming Messiah would save humanity from Satanic plans. Gen 3:15 One of the earliest Biblical authors, Job, predicted that when the future Messiah appeared He would be his Redeemer. Job 19:25 The psalmist agreed predicting Messiah would be the “LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Ps 19:14 The prophet Isaiah predicted that Israel’s creator God was one and the same as their Savior God, “For your Maker is your husband﷓﷓ the LORD Almighty is his name﷓﷓ the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.” Isa 54:5 Abraham wrote of this experience, “He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars ﷓﷓ if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6. Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Gen 15:5﷓6

Prophet, priest and king
Dr. Walvoord said that “the coming Messiah was in His life to fulfill the offices of Prophet, Priest and King.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 88 Jesus said we should begin our study with Moses Lk 24:27 so we will turn to the famous Deuteronomy passage where he declared the future Messiah would come as “that” Prophet.

JESUS AS “THAT” PROPHET

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die." The LORD said to me: "What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.” Deut 18:15-19

John the Baptist
Because of the supernatural signs associated with John’s birth that everyone knew about, he was the most important witness for Christ. Mt 21:26 When Levites and priests came out from Jerusalem to question John they asked, “Are you that prophet?” Jn 1:21 John faithfully replied identifying for the world the true Messiah Jesus Christ. Jn 3:30 Philip testified that Jesus was a prophet. Jn 4:29 Witnesses to Jesus' miracles identified Him as being “that prophet” who should come into the world. Jn 6:14 Peter identified Jesus as being “that” prophet by quoting the Deuteronomy passage. Acts 3:19-26 Stephen quoted the same passage just moments before he was stoned to death. Acts 7:35-52

The Prophet “Foretells” and “Forthtells”

The Biblical prophet may win his title either by foretelling or by forthtelling. Christ was in both respects a Prophet. Systematic Theology, vol. 5, p. 95

“Foretelling Work” of Messiah
As “that” Prophet Jesus predicted exactly his own death, burial, resurrection, ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the destruction of both Jerusalem and the temple, and of his own second coming. Jesus revealed the beginning and the ending of this present church age. Jesus spoke prophetically about His future work of rapturing His bride the church, of His work in the great tribulation period, of His defeating the man of sin, the coming of false “christs,” and of His work in future judgments. He declared the coming “Messianic” kingdom and the eternal place of man. Systematic Theology, Chafer 4:300

“Forthtelling Work” of Messiah
As “that” Prophet Jesus taught both before and after His ascension. Before His ascension we see major discourses such as the Sermon on the Mount, the Olivet Discourse, and the Upper Room Discourse. After His ascension we see major declarations in John’s final book. Rev 1-3, 22 In addition to His major discourses Jesus taught many parables, made some special teaching, and also taught through some important conversations. Syst Theo 5:96

JESUS WORKING AS PRIEST

“I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always.” 1 Sam 2:35

In its historical context this passage relates primarily to the prophet Samuel but most Bible scholars agree that it was fulfilled completely only by Christ. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 89 The word “priest” comes from the Hebrew word “kohen” which refers to one officiating or acting as a priest. The biblical priest was a person duly appointed to act for others in things pertaining to God.

Christ fulfilled this definition in both His person and work. As Mediator between God and humanity Jesus offered gifts, sacrifices and intercession. Dr. Walvoord writes that “the priesthood of Christ was anticipated in the whole priestly system given by revelation, first the patriarchal and later the Levitical orders.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 88-89

Evidence from Mosaic Law
The priesthood of Melchizedek predicted Messiah’s eternal priesthood. “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.” Gen 14:18 The Mosaic law introduced a new priesthood. It was the heart of God that His people would be known as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exod 19:6 This is never fulfilled until the New Testament “priesthood of the believer.” 1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6

This priestly role was typified by Aaron and the generations of priests that followed him. This priesthood “superseded the patriarchal system.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 137 Dr. Walvoord says Christ’s priesthood “was of a higher order than that of Aaron’s.” Heb 5:6, 10; 7:1-8:6 As Moses was the founder of the high﷓priesthood in Israel his ministry anticipated a perpetuation of the office throughout the history. Deut 26:3 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ANTICIPATED ETERNAL PRIESTHOOD OF MESSIAH

This anticipated the eternal priesthood of Messiah. Today Christ is ministering in the holy of holies in heaven interceding for the “restoration of fellowship” between His people and His Father. Heb 9:7, 12, 25; 10:19; 13:20 Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 245

Evidence from the Prophets
Ezekiel predicted Messiah’s work as priest likening Him to the shepherd, “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.” Ezek 34:23 Zechariah predicts that shepherd will be struck down. Zech 13:7 Zechariah also linked Messiah’s priestly office with that His kingly office He, “will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne. And there will be harmony between the two.” Zech 6:13

Evidence from the Psalms
The “priesthood” of Christ is treated by the Psalmist, “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Ps 110:4 This passage is important because the author of Hebrews brought it into the New Testament, Heb 5:6 and in that context connects it’s fulfillment with Jesus Christ.
The intercessory work of Christ is unique because we no longer see Him in heaven as in the Garden of Gethsemane praying on His knees earnestly with outstretched hands. Instead, Christ is presented after His ascension as being seated silently Himself an object of worship enthroned at the right hand of the Father. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p 247 The results of Jesus’ intercession are evidenced in the assurance His people enjoy in their salvation, the security they enjoy, their eternal hope, and in their spiritual triumph they experience in their Christian lives.

JESUS WORKING AS KING

Moses’ Testimony
We will begin our search for evidence of Messiah as King in Moses. Lk 24:27 “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.” Gen 49:10 see also Num 24:17 When Jacob uttered this prophecy it was centuries before the time of kings in Israel, but two things were predicted: First the Messianic King would come from the Judah’s tribe, and second the royal lineage of Israel’s kings will not cease before Messiah returns.

The Psalmist’s Testimony
Israel’s earthly line of Israel’s kings began in 1050 B.C., but it was soon marked by sin and rebellion and was divided in 931 B.C. The northern kingdom ceased altogether in 722 B.C. under the Babylonians. Judah was allowed to return to Jerusalem in 538 B.C., but even that kingdom ceased altogether in A.D. 70 under Rome. But the Psalmist predicted Messiah’s kingship was eternal. Ps 45:6 The prophet Nathan predicted David’s kingly line would succeed him, “your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me, your throne will be established forever.” 2 Sam 7:11-16 While David’s sons all perished, Jesus Christ as Messiah was born in David’s genealogy fulfilling Nathan’s prophecy within decades of the complete destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

The Prophets’ Testimony
Zechariah predicted the “triumphal entry” of the Messianic King using language predicting He would ride a donkey it was evidence

for Messiah’s first advent. Zech 9:9 cf. Mt 21:5 Ezekiel predicted Israel would choose to reject their Messiah as king at His first advent. Ezek 21:26-27 cf Jn 19:15

New Testament writers confirmed the Old when they predicted Jesus’ kingdom would endure forever declaring a future generation would we will see Him return in kingdom glory and power at His second advent. The titles Jesus bears are, “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” 1 Tim 6:15, Rev 17:14, 19:16 This was an important Old Testament theme. Ps 2, 110 The entire eleventh chapter of Isaiah is devoted to predicting Messiah will occupy David’s throne. Isa 9:6-7 cf. 2:1-4; 4:1-6; 49:7; 52;15 Jeremiah confirmed this theme. Jer 23:5-6

Dr. Walvoord wrote, “conservative scholarship is agreed that the fulfillment of these prophecies is found in Christ alone.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 89 The New Testament record is both historical and prophetic in confirming the Old Testament theme as being fulfilled in Christ. Lk 1:31-33; Jn 1:49; 18:37; 19:12; 1 Cor 15:25; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 1:5; 17:14; 19:16 When the Jews rejected Jesus as their king this only postponed His millennial kingdom. In His person He is still King. His future work as King on earth is certain. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 137

CHRIST'S FIRST ADVENT PREDICTED

Birth and Early Years of Messiah
The Old Testament prophecies regarding the future birth and early years of Messiah are very specific. Micah predicted His birthplace as being in Bethlehem. Mic 5:2 cf. Num 24:17-19 The incident with the arrival of the Oriental magi soon after His birth was foretold. Ps 72:10, 15; Isa 60:3, 6 The massacre of the innocent children Jer 31:15 as well as the flight into Egypt were accurately foretold. Hos 11:1

Shortly after Christ's birth when Herod was searching for Messiah he asked his own scholars where Messiah was to be born. They replied by quoting Micah 5:2 which identified Bethlehem as the birthplace [Matthew 2:4-16].

Jesus' Virgin Birth
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isa 7:14 Isaiah said the purpose for Messiah’s miraculous conception through a virgin was to give us a sign. Matthew confirmed that Mary's conception was virginal in agreement with Isaiah. "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"﷓﷓ which means, "God with us." Matt 1:23

Time of Birth
Jesus said we should begin our search with Moses. Lk 24:27 Moses did not reveal the hour or day of Jesus’ birth, but he wrote that Messiah must be born before the time when Israel’s kingly “scepter” would be removed. Gen 49:10 Historians agree that the “removal” of Israel’s kingly scepter happened in stages. Herod the Great succeeded a line of Maccabean princes who were Levites by capturing Jerusalem in B.C. 37. While the Hebrew Sanhedrin, a council of 70 priests, retained much power, they lost the authority to administer the death penalty.

Tacitus said “the Romans reserved for themselves the right of the sword.” The Jewish Talmud itself dated this event as occurring in A.D. 11 writing, “Woe unto us, for the scepter has been taken from Judah, and the Messiah has not appeared!” Talmud, Bab., Sanhedrin, Chap. 4, fol. 37, recto cited Evidence Demands Verdict, vol 1, p. 169-170

Apologist Josh McDowell wrote, “little did they realize their Messiah was a young Nazarene walking in the midst of them.” ibid. p. 170 The final and lasting event was the destruction of Jerusalem and the holy temple by Titus in A.D. 70. Malachi prophesied Messiah would come to the temple in Jerusalem. Mal 3:1 Messiah must lived and died prior to A.D. 70 because after that date there was no holy city or temple left.

DANIEL 69 WEEKS

Daniel’s Sixty-Nine Weeks. Daniel’s Messianic prophesy more precisely locates the time of important events from Jesus’ life. Dr. Walvoord wrote, “the prophecy of Daniel 9:25 that sixty-nine weeks of seven years each would elapse before the Messiah would be cut off has been shown to culminate in the death of Christ.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 86 “So you are to know and discern {that} from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince {there will be} seven weeks and sixty﷓two weeks; . . . after the sixty﷓two weeks the Messiah will be cut off.” Dan 9:25﷓26 The starting date for calculating Daniel’s prophecy about the holy city of Jerusalem being restored is Daniel’s subject in this passage. Prophecy scholars say that starting date was the “official decree of Artaxerxes,” given by that Persian king to Nehemiah to restore the holy city. Neh 2:1-8 Dr. Walvoord wrote that this decree was issued either in the last month of 444 B.C., or in the first month of 445 B.C. Major Bible Prophecies, Zondervan, 1991, p. 170

Biblical Weeks
The Hebrew word for weeks is “shabua” Strong’s No. 7620 which literally means seven and is not related to our modern English term. Jews were already familiar with this “week language” as it was important in their culture. It is used in the Mosaic Law to describe legal issues associated with the sabbath. Lev 25:2-4, 25:8. Daniel earlier used the term with the same meaning. Dan 9:1-2 Daniel, Jeremiah and Ezekiel understood that the seventy years of Babylonian captivity was not an arbitrary period of punishment. The language used to calculated this time came from this “weeks” language. Lev 26:32-35, 2 Chron 36:21, Dan 9:24 Each of these prophetic “weeks” was 7 years. This same “weeks” language was used to define the 7 year “tribulation period” in the New Testament. Rev 12:-13

It will take 7 "weeks" to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. This meant it took 49 years from 444 B.C. for the Jews to restore their city. There will be 62 “weeks” (to be added to the 7) calculated until the time of Messiah. This means there will be 69 “weeks” from 444 B.C. until Messiah comes. If Daniel is correct, there should be 69 weeks or 483 Biblical years (7x69) from 444 B.C. until Messiah.

Dr. Walvoord says there is a difference between the length of the Hebrew year and our own. There were only 360 days in the Jewish calendar. Not only is our year is 365 days long, every four years we add an additional day on “leap year.” This means our year is actually 365.24219879 days long. The chronologist must make corrective calculations before they can calculate prophetic Hebrew events. Major Bible Prophecies, Walvoord, p. 171

Calculations of H.W. Hoehner
Multiplying the 69 weeks by 7 years for each week by 360 days gives a total of 173,880 days. The difference between 444 B.C. and A.D. 33 then is 476 years. By multiplying 476 by 365.24219879 or by 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 45.975 seconds, one comes to 173,855 days. This leaves only 25 days to be accounted for between 444 B.C. and A.D. 33. By adding the 25 days to March 5, 444 B.C., one comes to March 30, A.D. 33 which was Nisan 10 in A.D. 33. This is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Chronological Aspects Of The Life Of Christ, 1977, Hoehner, p. 138

Triumphal Entry Date
The time Daniel had in mind was the day Jesus offered himself to be Israel’s king. Today we remember the day as “Palm Sunday” or as the “Triumphal Entry.” Daniel’s sixty-nine weeks indicates Messiah should have been expected to be “cut off” in A.D. 33.

Dr. Walvoord made an exhaustive study of several “theoretical approaches” to interpreting Daniel’s prophecy. After years of study he summed up his evidence by writing, “when all the various views are considered and the arguments pro and con are evaluated, the only point of view that really satisfies the passage and provides a literal fulfillment is the view that begins the 490 years at 445 B.C., concludes that first 483 years in 33 A.D. at the time of Christ’s death.” Major Bible Prophecies, Walvoord, p. 174

THE “LIFE” OF CHRIST PREDICTED

Both Malachi and Isaiah prophesied that the early ministry of the future Messiah would follow a special prophet [John the Baptist] who was to “prepare the way” for Messiah. Isa 40:3, Mal 3:1, 4:5

Jesus’ Ministry Predicted

Predictions From the Law
Moses prophesied that when Messiah appeared that He would fulfill the foretelling and forthtelling work of the prophet. Deu 18:15-19

Messiah Will Be A Preacher
There is a theme in Old Testament prophecy that says Messiah would “preach” in His future ministry. Ps 2:7, 78:2, Isa 2:3, 61:1, Mic 4:2 Messiah Will Perform Miracles
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would perform miracles Isa 35:5-6, 42:7, 53:4 and minister in Galilee. Isa 9:1-2 Jesus in the New Testament confirmed that the miracles he performed were evidence that He was Messiah. Jn 5:36 Messiah Will Cleanse the Temple
The psalmist said Jesus would cleanse the holy temple in Jerusalem. Ps 69:9 Messiah's Ministry Would Convert the Gentiles
There is an Old Testament theme that Messiah’s ministry would ultimately convert the Gentiles. Deu 32:43; Ps 18:49; 19:4; 117:1; Isa 11:10; 42:1; 45:23; 49:6; Hos 1:10; 2:23; Joel 2:32 Messiah Would Be The Cornerstone
Isaiah foretold that Christ’s work would be known as a “cornerstone” and a “foundation” stone. Isa 28:14-18 Other prophets confirmed this role. Gen 49:24; 1 Ki 7:10-11; Ps 118:22; Isa 8:14; Zech 4:7 This language became a theme in the New Testament. Acts 4:11; Rom 9:33; 11:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:6-8

Messiah as Savior and Deliverer
There is evidence that the coming Messiah was to come as savior and deliverer beginning with Moses. Gen 3:15 One of the most ancient authors of the Bible, Job, had a hope for a Messianic Redeemer. Job 19:25 Isaiah developed this theme in great length. Isa 53 Malachi called Messiah the Sun of Righteousness. Mal 4:2

Servant of Yahweh
Isaiah also foretold that Messiah would be known as the “Servant of Yahweh.” Isa 42:1-7; 49:1-7; 52:13-53:21 Dr. Walvoord says the principle idea behind these predictions was that of Christ being the “obedient Servant” leading all the way to His death on a Roman cross. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 90-91 Several New Testament references allude to Jesus fulfilling this Old Testament theme. Mt 8:17; 12:17-21; Lk 22:37; Jn 12:38; Acts 3:13, 26; 4:27, 30; 8:32; Rom 10:13; 15:21; 1 Pet 2:22-24

THE DEATH OF CHRIST IS PREDICTED

Dr. Walvoord says the Old Testament prophecies about Messiah’s death were given in the greatest depth and detail by the psalmists and Isaiah. Isa 52:13-53:12; Ps 22 Isaiah presents Messiah as the “Suffering Servant of Yahweh.”

“Just as there were many who were appalled at him﷓﷓ his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness” Isaiah 52:14

Isaiah says Jesus was “pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” Isa 53:5 He suffered this way to purchase our peace. ibid

Christ Himself quoted Psalm 22
The Psalmist recorded the drama surrounding the cross a thousand years before the event. He even included the anticipation of Messiah’s dialogue with the Father from the cross. Ps 22 There is evidence from these utterances of both natures in the person of Christ. On the one hand we see evidence that Messiah would cry out to God in full faith and yet find Yahweh unresponsive.

This is evidence of Christ standing unique in thousands of years of history as having been abandoned by Yahweh as He bore the sins of the world. Systematic Theology 5:183 We also see the fact of Messiah’s limitations in His humanity. We see the Sufferer as being an offering for sin from which the face of the Father was turned. The psalmist also predicts the reaction of human beings associated with the legal action of carrying out the crucifixion of the holy spotless undefiled Lamb who was also the Son of God.

Those who tried and executed Him were to see Him as if He were “a worm” and not a human being. Ps 22:6 The language of verse eight was completely fulfilled in His tormentor’s own words at the cross. Mt 27:42-43 The language of His complete rejection by humanity in this Psalm is uniquely dramatized as the “sovereignty of God” and the “freedom of the human will” was worked out a thousand years later. Systematic Theology 5:183 In verse sixteen and again in twenty the Psalmist correctly depicts the criminals who carried out Jesus’ crucifixion as being “dogs.” They were harsh, snarling, fierce, and ferocious. Barnes' Notes While the psalmist has correctly characterized these men, it is equally “true that there is evidence that the Future Messiah died at the hands of His Father. Isa 53:10 cf. Rom 3:25; 8:32; Jn 1:29; 3:16; Systematic Theology 5:183

Christ Himself quoted Isaiah 53
Lk 9:22; Jn 1:11 Isaiah predicted Isa 52:13-53:12 as he stated some important doctrinal issues surrounding His sacrificial death. The humanity of Christ was a theme in this chapter. Isa 53:12 Isaiah presented Messiah in this setting as Yahweh’s Suffering Servant Isa 52:13 who would die in behalf of others Isa 53:5 in a setting that foretold Jesus’ submission to the will of His Father which foreshadowed Paul’s description. Phil 2:6-11

In His humanity, Messiah will be marred beyond recognition Isa 53:14 and yet in His deity He will sprinkle the nations in a way that even the very kings of the earth who have not heard of Christ will shut their mouths in His presence. Isa 52:15 cf. Phil 2:10 In Isaiah’s prediction is a foretelling of Jesus’ message of salvation by faith in Christ when he wrote, “Who has believed our message?” Isa 53:1 Jesus quoted this passage Himself Jn 12:38 as evidence that He was fulfilling it as did Paul. Rom 10:16-17

Many scholars have noted that “not often in the Old Testament are men said to have something to believe.” Gen 15:6 The sense from the entire passage in Isaiah 53 is a declaration of what Messiah as Savior accomplished through His death for humanity and not about human activity or faithfulness. Systematic Theology 5:184

The language Isaiah used defined our salvation as being accomplished by the “arm of Yahweh.” Isa 53:1 This figurative language recalls that the psalmist also said the universe was created likening it to God’s finger play. Ps 8:3 The important evidence is Creation was accomplished by the mere finger-play of God, but man’s salvation required the “arm of Yahweh.” This theme suggests our salvation was not acquired lightly. Systematic Theology 5:184

With all of the attention given to Messiah coming to die sacrificially it is “little wonder that the high priest was moved to say regarding Christ’s death: “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” Jn 11:49﷓50 The Holy Spirit adds these explanatory words, “He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation.” Jn 11:51

Minor Prophecies
Moses wrote that while Messiah’s foot was to come down and crush the serpents head, the serpent in turn was to bruise Messiah’s heel. Gen 3:15 “The triumph” of Christ is “sure, as a wound in Satan’s head speaks of destruction while a bruising of the heel is at most but an injury.” Systematic Theology, 5:186 This passage is a prefiguring of the complete victory of Christ over Satan spoken of by Paul, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross..” Col 2:15 In Daniel’s day we saw Gabriel defeating satanic forces with a great deal of work over time needing help, but in the Gospel’s we see Christ having complete victory with the briefest word.

Isaiah wrote of Messiah’s shame as He was spit upon and had his hair plucked from His face. Isa 50:6 Zechariah said, “the inhabitants of Jerusalem ... will look on me, the one they have pierced.” Zech 12:10; 13:6-7 Dr. H.A. Ironside noted that this word “look” is important. The word comes from the Hebrew word “nabat” Strong’s No. 5027 which means to scan intently, to consider, or contemplate. This identical word was used by Moses to describe the way God’s people looked up to the serpent on the pole as a prefiguring of the crucifixion of Christ. Num 21:9 This predicted the way Jesus quoted this passage when He invited Nicodemus to be born again. Jn 3 The same word was used by Isaiah to describe the way Israel was to “look” on their “Rock.” Isa 51:1 Dr. Walvoord wrote, “it is safe to say that the whole prophetic Word has as its central point the sufferings and death of Christ.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 92

THE “RESURRECTION” OF CHRIST PREDICTED

Christ taught there is evidence for His resurrection everywhere in the Old Testament. Luke 24:44 Dr. Walvoord says there are many Old Testament passages that anticipate the future resurrection of Messiah but only a few are specific. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 92

There is supporting evidence from Old Testament prophecy using the huge number of passages predicting Messiah’s death. These evidence His resurrection because had He not been raised from the dead He would have just been another mortal man incapable of being Savior much less Eternal God. While skeptical writers like Oehler and A. B. Davidson found no evidence for Messiah’s resurrection in the Old Testament, many see evidence in “component parts of one stupendous divine undertaking.” Systematic Theology 5:231

Old Testament Types Evidence Chrsit's Resurrection
We devoted an entire section to the way the Old Testament “types” foreshadowed Christ. Many of those were found to give evidence in support of Messiah’s resurrection. Looking back to the Mosaic portions of the Old Testament we see the “eternality” of the Priesthood of Melchizedek Gen 14:18 as evidence for Messiah’s resurrection. The Two Birds Lev 14:4-7 provide the picture of Messiah’s resurrection as the living bird, dipped in the blood of the sacrificial bird, flies to freedom as a type for the way the resurrected Christ ascended into heaven with His blood offering. Other resurrection types were the First Fruits Lev 23:10-11, and Aaron’s rod that budded. Num 17:8 Systematic Theology 5:235-236

Job, from a book in the wisdom section of the Hebrew Bible, gave one of the earliest evidences for a future hope in a Messianic Redeemer who also provided hope of a resurrection. Job 19:25-26 It was Job’s hope that his testimony would be “written on a scroll” Job 19:23 because he knew that even though “his skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” Job 19:26 He had this bold hope only because he said he knew, “that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25 This testimony consistently confirmed his earlier testimony where he wrote that he knew he would not be in his grave forever. Job 14:13-15 The Wycliffe Commentary says this passage is “the beginnings of what progressive revelation would ultimately enunciate in the doctrines of the coming of Christ.” Wycliffe Commentary This passage predicts the Pauline doctrine of a Christian hope of being resurrected in and through Christ. 1 Cor 15:12-20

“because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” Palm 16:10

Many Old Testament scholars see a linkage between this passage and the writings of Paul. 1 Thess 5:23; Keil & Delitzsch Commentary “It would be fulfilled, though, as in the case of the Lord Jesus.” Barnes' Notes Rabbinical scholars prefer to deny a Messianic inference in this passage because it so clearly points to the later testimony of the Gospel authors testimony of Jesus’ resurrection. Peter quoted this passage in his sermon at Pentecost as evidence for Christ’s resurrection. Acts 2:25-31 Paul quoted the same passage in his sermon in Antioch in Pisidia with exactly the same interpretation. Acts 13:34-37 Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 93 The testimony from the psalmist, Peter and Paul was that while David died, and his body decayed for a thousand years, Christ died and was raised again on the third day with no decay. Ibid. p. 93 Dr. Chafer adds two Old Testament prophecies from the Psalms that predict Messiah’s resurrection. Ps 22:22-31; Ps 118:22-24

Psalm 22
The opening portions of Psalm 22 predict Messiah on the cross. By verse 20 we see evidence of a transition. The later verses predict Messiah was not going to be on the cross forever. By verse 22 the testimony moves to a point after the cross and later than the resurrection when Messiah would again begin “declaring” Yahweh’s name. If Christ would have died as other men in the grizzly predictions Psalm 22 made of what would happen to Messiah on the cross, the psalmist could not have then said He would afterward declare God’s name.

Psalm 118:22-24
Psalms 113 through 118 are known by the Jews as Hallel songs. They were important hymns that were sung at all the feasts in the Hebrew calendar. Psalm 118 is particularly important because it uses an important figure of speech in describing Christ that both He and His disciples later used to identify Him as Messiah. Many believe this was the very hymn Jesus led His disciples to sing in the upper room as they celebrated Passover. Mt 26:30 The early verses of this psalm speak of trials and in v. 15-17 contain evidence for Messiah’s resurrection.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23. the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:22﷓24

Three Gospel writers agree in their testimonies that Jesus identified Himself as being this stone which the builders rejected. Mt 21:42-45; Mk 12:10-11; Lk 20:17-19 Peter was first to introduce this theme after Pentecost clearly linking it with Christ’s resurrection, “then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11. He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' 12. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:10﷓12

THE GLORIFICATION OF CHRIST WAS PREDICTED

Dr. Walvoord has written that “from the moment of the ascension, however, Christ is in His glorious estate and all His works and appearances are in keeping with His glory.” Jesus Christ Our Lord, p 95 The Christ seen by Saul, Stephen and John was consistently glorified in His person and in His manifestation. Peter “predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.” 1 Pet 1:10﷓11

Walvoord says the Old Testament “abounds” with references on the glorification of Christ. Some focus on Christ as the second person of the Trinity and others present Him as Messiah. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 94

“When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from the rebellious﷓﷓ that you, O LORD God, might dwell there.” Psalm 68:18

Paul brought this passage into the New Testament in his letter to the Ephesians Eph 4:8 interpreting it to predict the glorified Jesus Christ. The compound Hebrew name in this Psalm is Yahweh Elohim which is compelling evidence that Jesus and Yahweh Elohim are one and the same God. The language which speaks of leading captivity captive expresses evidence that Messiah was to gain a complete victory over His enemies when He ascended into His place of glory in heaven. Dr. Walvoord says one of the best Old Testament passages to present the future view of the glorified Messiah is Psalm 24.

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty﷓﷓ he is the King of glory. Selah” Psalm 24:7﷓10

The words “King of Glory” in v. 10 come from “Melek” Strong’s NO. 4428 meaning a royal king, and “Hakabowd” Strong’s No. 3519 which means glorious splendor and honor. Wycliffe Bible Commentary says of this passage is referring to a divine entrance where the lintels or tops of the doorways are pictured as being too low for the divine king to enter. The Lord of hosts [Yahweh Seba'ot] is His name which means He is the King of glory. Wycliffe Commentary Yahweh Saba’ot defines the glorified Messiah Omnipotent God. The Wycliffe Commentary refers to another Messianic Psalm predicting Messiah’s future place of glory. Ps 47

“God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.” Ps 47:5

This Psalm displays “a slight shift” from the earlier psalm from jubilant rejoicing to more formal praise.” Wycliffe Commentary

“The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Psalm 110:1

The Wycliffe Commentary says this psalm is a royal psalm with Messianic overtones throughout. The psalmist is uttering a divine oracle with the authority of a prophet. He addresses the oracle to his king and gives him assurance of victory. Wycliffe Commentary Matthew testified in his Gospel that Jesus used this Psalm to identify Himself as Messiah and in doing so defined Himself in eternity future in heavenly places in glory. Mt 22:41﷓45 The author of Hebrews confirmed Jesus’ quotation of the Psalmist. “The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.” Heb 8:1

Dr. H.A. Ironside says there is an important passage in Proverbs that links Messiah to some questions about going up and coming down from heaven. It has become a Biblical theme.

“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!” Prov 30:4

Dr. Ironside says this language was used by Job one of the earliest biblical authors. Job 38-39 Dr. Ironside says no one ever understood the answer to this question until Jesus used this language to describe Himself as He was inviting Nicodemus to be born again. Jn 3:13 Paul quoted this passage in his letter to the Ephesians Eph 4:9-10 to demonstrate the completeness of the deity of Christ. Dr. Ironside said, “Enoch was translated,” and “Elijah was caught up in a flaming chariot,” but “neither of these went up in his own power. Jesus, His work finished, and His ministry on earth accomplished, ascended of His own volition, passing through the upper air as easily as He had walked upon the water.” Systematic Theology 5:270

CHRIST’S SECOND ADVENT PREDICTED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Not everyone agrees about the future time and manner of Christ’s second coming. Many even deny Christ is coming a second time.

People who interpret Bible prophecy conservatively believe His second coming will be fulfilled just as literally as John the Baptist fulfilled Isa 40:3, Christ on the cross fulfilled Isa 53, the coming of the Holy Spirit fulfilled John 14, and the holy city of Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. according to Matthew 24.

As we study Old Testament language that surround Christ's second coming most passages also include language referring to a world in rebellion against Yahweh and His Messiah.

Dr. Millard Erickson writes, "with the exception of the certainty of death, the one doctrine on which most theologians most agree is the second coming of Christ. It is indispensable to eschatology. It is the basis of the Christian's hope, the one event that will mark the beginning of the completion of God's plan." [Christian Theology, 2nd ed., 1192].

SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE FROM PROPHECY

1. JESUS IS FULLY GOD The evidence for the integrity of prophesy itself is associated with claims of deity. Isa 49:9-10; 41:21-23; Num 23:19 Jesus claimed to be Messiah God from Old Testament. Lk 24:27, 44 Paul agreed. Acts 28;23 Peter agreed Acts 10:43 John agreed. Jn 5:39 Philip agreed. Jn 1:45 Luke agreed. Lk 24:25 Isaiah said Messiah’s name was God with us. Isa 7:14 Isaiah said Messiah was Mighty God. Isa 9:6-7 Micah called Eternal. Mic 5:2 Isaiah said Messiah would be born of a virgin mother. Isa 7:14 The psalmist said Messiah would be seated as God in heaven. Ps 110:1 Another psalmist said He was worshiped as God. Ps 95:6-7 Isaiah said there would be a forerunner for Messiah calling Messiah both LORD and God. Isa 40:3

2. JESUS IS FULLY HUMAN. Jesus was the “Seed” of the woman Gen 3:15 having a human lineage in the Bible. Messiah had a birthplace. Mic 5:2 Isaiah said He would be born. Isa 7:14; 9:6-7 The psalmist said Messiah would be visited by “magi” after His birth. Ps 72:10 Malachi said He would have a human forerunner who Gospel writers even say was humanly a distant relative of Jesus. Mal 3:1 The psalmist described Messiah as a Son. Ps 2:7 Messiah was to come as Prophet Deu 18:15-19, Priest 1 Sam 2:35, and King. Zech 9:9 Isaiah prophesied Messiah would die a sacrificial death. Isa 52:14, 53:5

3. JESUS IS SELF-EXISTENT Isaiah prophesied Messiah would be fully God. Isa 9:6; Isa 40:3 Micah said Messiah is eternal. Mic 5:2 Messiah’s kingdom is to endure forever. Ps 45:6 Messiah would be both a corner stone and foundation stone of the church. Isa 28:14-18

4. JESUS IS ETERNAL Micah called Eternal. Mic 5:2 Isaiah called Him Everlasting Father. Isa 9:6 Messiah’s kingdom is to endure forever. Ps 45:6 Messiah’s priesthood is eternal. Ps 110:4 Messiah was to be “King” forever. 2 Sam 7:11-16

5. JESUS IS OMNIPRESENT Isaiah in calling Messiah God has included all of the attributes normally associated with deity including Omnipresence. Isa 9:6, 40:3 cf. Heb 13:8

6. JESUS IS OMNISCIENT Messiah’s foretold work as a prophet was evidence He was omniscient. Deu 18:15-19 Isaiah said cosmic government is upon Messiah’s shoulders. Isa 9:6; 45:20-23, 46:9-10

7. JESUS IS OMNIPOTENT Moses said Messiah was strong enough to crush Satan’s head. Gen 3:15 Messiah’s foretold work as a prophet was evidence He was powerful enough to bring His prophecies to pass. Deu 18:15-19 Isaiah said Messiah would perform powerful miracles. Isa 35:5-6 The psalmist said Messiah’s creative work took mere finger play, Ps 8:3 but the work to provide our salvation took the “arm of Yahweh.” Isa 59:1 Isaiah named Messiah as being fully God thus having all of the attributes of God. Isa 9:6; 43:1-11; 45:15-18, 21-23; 61:1-3

8. JESUS IS IMMUTABLE Malachi says the coming Messiah is LORD and He does not change. Mal 3:6 The Psalmist said Messiah was unchanging Ps 102:25-27 which the author of Hebrews quoted. Heb 1:10-12 cf. Heb 13:8

9. JESUS IS SUBORDINATE TO THE FATHER Isaiah prophesied Messiah would be a “Servant of Yahweh.” Isa 42:1-7 cf 49:1-7 Isaiah also called Messiah the “Suffering Servant.”Isa 52-53:21 The psalmist recorded Messiah’s prayer language. Ps 22

10. JESUS WAS RESURRECTED. All of the passages that define Messiah’s death also define His resurrection because otherwise had He remained in the grave He would have been just like any other man. The psalmist said Messiah would not see decay Ps 16:10 and New Testament disciples agreed. Acts 2:25; 13:34-37 If Old Testament believers had hope for resurrection so must Messiah. Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2; Job 19:25-26; 14:13-15

11. JESUS' SACRIFICE IS SUFFICIENT His offering resulted in peace with God. Isa 53:5 Jesus was a qualified priest forever. Ps 110:4 Job had hope in future Messiah as Redeemer. Job 19:25 Malachi called Messiah the Sun of Righteousness. Mal 4:2

12. JESUS WAS GLORIFIED. The psalmist prophesied of Messiah’s ascension into heaven. Ps 68:18; 24:7-10; 47:5; 110:1 Messiah was to be “King” forever. 2 Sam 7:11-16

13. JESUS IS RETURNING IN A SECOND COMING. Enoch from Genesis prophesied Messiah’s second coming. Jude 1:14-15 Moses said Messiah was to return in association with Israel’s return from captivity. Deu 30:3 No Old Testament prophet foretells Messiah’s return to a peaceful idyllic earth but to end the horror of the “great tribulation” period.

Types are a literary device that the Biblical authors used as a tool to help them communicate. Revelation is a God Thought. Inspiration means God breathed. The Scriptures are God’s revelation to humanity. However, many during the centuries before the Reformation interpreted literary devices in a way that permitted them to escape the literal thought from God.

In Martin Luther’s time, these methods were being taught in seminaries. Luther said figurative language “is a sort of beautiful harlot, who proves herself specially seductive.” Of all the abused literal devices types have suffered the most. Part of the Reformation movement was a departure from determining meaning tied to clever interpretations of figurative language. The Reformers used the phrase “Sola Scriptora” to mean that the Scriptures should be able to stand alone on its own merit. When we study the types we want to do so in a way that will not violate God’s original thought.

Because of these historic problems "typology" has been one of the most neglected departments of theology. Types from the Old Testament, when carefully studied, can be seen as the language in which doctrines of the New Testament were prefigured in the Old. The Study Of Types, Kregel, Ada R. Habershon, p. 10-11

Augustine said, “The New is in the Old contained; The Old is by the New explained.” ibid., p. 9 Dr. Walvoord has said that many present types in one of two extremes. The first limits types to those specifically authorized by the New Testament. The other extreme is to see types in every passage and to take important doctrinal positions based solely on the most minor detail of a type.

BIBLICAL ROOTS WORD TYPE

Paul used the word type in his letter to Rome. “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.” Rom 5:14

The Greek word Paul used is “tupos” which means an example. This word was also used by the author of Hebrews to express the way certain parts of the tabernacle had various meanings in the New Testament. Heb 8:5 Luke used this word in a similar way in Acts. Acts 7:44

A “type,” can be understood by comparing them to prophecy. Every prophecy is made up of two parts the utterance and its fulfilment. The “type” is a shadowy prefiguring and the “antitype” is its final reality. An example is found in Jesus being the Lamb of God. The type are the physical lambs priests sacrificed in the temple, and Jesus Christ is the antitype as the Lamb of God. Jn 1:29 It will be the purpose of this chapter to look at some important types and see what foundational things they can teach us about the person and work of Jesus Christ before Bethlehem.

JESUS TESTIMONY
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Lk 24:27

“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.” Jn 5:46

Walvoord cites fifty types in his study of Christology. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 62 Many scholars have used his list. Systematic Theology, Lewis, vol. 5, p. 43 Professor Walvoord organized his study of types into four general classifications of types:

1. Persons
2. Events
3. Things
4. Institutions & Ceremonies

PURPOSE FOR STUDYING TYPES
This chapter will examine some of these fifty types. Our purpose in studying these types will be to discover evidences about the person of Jesus Christ from before Bethlehem. It is a rich field for devotional study that has been greatly neglected. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 69

TYPICAL PERSONS

ABEL
Both Abel and Christ entered this world as first born. Both Christ and Abel offered an “acceptable” offering to God. Heb 11:4 Abel’s acceptable offering of a lamb was a type for the true Lamb. Both Christ and Abel died at the hands of jealous brethren. Abel was a shepherd and Christ was the True Shepherd. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 64

ADAM
Professor Walvoord noted that both Adam and Christ entered the world through a special act of God. Both entered the world sinless. Paul considered Adam a type for Christ Rom 5:12-21 calling him the first Adam as federal head of humanity. Paul called Jesus the last Adam 1 Cor 15:45-47 There is a biblical theme founded on the importance of Adam’s sin. Jesus’ sinlessness is contrasted to Adam’s sin. Adam as the husband of Eve is a type for the way Jesus is the Bridegroom in relation to the church. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 64-65 Adam was given a limited dominion Gen 1:28 as a type for the universal dominion given to Christ. Ps 8:6 cf. 1 Cor 15:27 cf Heb 2:6-11; 1 Cor 15:27-28 Ref. on Adam: The Study of Types, p. 122-124 There is also a typical contrast as Adam becomes the source of death and Jesus Christ becomes the Life. 1 Cor 15:22

BENJAMIN
Benjamin is a two fold type for Christ. The Bible gives him two names. Jacob named him Benjamin which means “son of my right hand.” Rachel, on her death bed though named him Ben-oni which means “son of sorrow.” This contrast is seen in Christ who was Mary’s source of sorrow, Lk 2:35 but was the “Son of my right hand” to God the Father. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 65

DAVID
David is primarily typical of Christ as being Israel's shepherd king. Acts 13:22 Both were born at Bethlehem. 1 Sam 16:4-16 and Mic 5:2 with Mt 2:1 David went from exile to the throne of Israel. 1 Sam 19:18 cf. 2 Sam 2:4-7 David showed grace and mercy (hesed) to lame Mephibosheth 2 Sam 4:4 (the nearest relative of his beloved Jonathan) 2 Sam 9:6 by bringing him to the table of the king. 2 Sam 9:10, 11-13 David restored his lands. 2 Sam 9:7 This is typical of Jesus’ love for broken and lost sinners. Lk 14:13 Like Jesus, David drew the distressed, troubled, and debtors, out into the wilderness (cave of Adullam). 1 Sam 22:1-3 This is like Jesus drawing fisherman, tax collectors and prostitutes as disciples. Like Jesus, David went from being the most popular man in the kingdom 1 Sam 18:16 into being persecuted. 2 Chron 13:6; 1 Ki 12:19; 2 Chron 10:19 cf. Mt 4:25 and Mk 12-15

ISAAC
The births of Isaac and Jesus were both miraculous. Both births were anticipated in specific promises. Both are the beloved of their fathers. Both Isaac and Jesus are called “only begotten.” Jn 3:16; Heb 11:17 The sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah is a type for the way Jesus was crucified. Gen 22 The way Isaac found his wife is a type for the way Christ is the Bridegroom of the church. Gen 24 The New Testament confirms that Isaac was a type for the spiritual children of Abraham. Gal 4:28 Isaac is a type for the new nature born of the Holy Spirit in contrast to the old nature typified by Ishmael. Gal 4:29 Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 65-66

JOSEPH
Joseph and Jesus both had supernatural births. Gen 30:22-24 cf. Lk 1:35 As Stephen shared his final testimony using the story of Joseph it made Joseph a type for Jesus. The Study Of The Types, p. 124-131, 169-174 Joseph and Jesus were both beloved by their father. Gen 37:3 cf. Mt 3:17; Jn 3:35 Like Jesus, Joseph was clothed by his father and sent by him on an errand to his brothers. Both Joseph's and Jesus' brothers initially responded to them with hate and envy. Gen 37:4 cf. Jn 15:24-25 The brothers of both Joseph and Jesus conspired against them, and delivered them into the hands of the Gentiles. Gen 37:18, 24; cf. Mt 26:3-4; 27:35-37 Both Joseph and Jesus were stripped of their robes. Gen 37:23, cf. Mt 27:35 Both Jesus and Joseph were sold for silver. Gen 37:28, cf. Mt 26:14-15 Both were condemned though innocent. Gen 39:11-20; Isa 53:9; Mt 27:19, 24 Even Pharaoh saw the Holy Spirit working in Joseph. Gen 41:38 Joseph married a gentile wife and Jesus married a gentile church. Both became a blessing to the Gentiles. Gen 41:1-45; Acts 15:14; Rom 11:11-12; Eph 5:25-32 The sorrow, suffering and shame both experienced at the hands of the Gentiles, resulted in the deliverance of their brothers. Gen 45:1-15 cf. Rom 11:1-27 Both were rejected as rulers over their brothers. Gen 37:8, Mt 21:37-39 Both Joseph and Jesus exalted their brothers to places of honor and safety. Gen 45:16-18; Isa 65:17-25 Jesus Christ Our Lord, Walvoord, p. 66-67

JOSHUA
Even Joshua's name implies he was a type for Christ. In Hebrew Joshua is Yehoshua 3091 and it means "Yahweh saves." Joshua is the Old Testament equivalent of the Greek New Testament name Jesus. Jesus Christ Our Lord, Walvoord, p. 67 Joshua was the first successor of Moses. Christ succeeded the Mosaic law with the new covenant. Jn 1:17; Rom 8:2-4; Heb 7:18-19; Gal 3:23-25 Where Moses failed to enter the land of promise, Joshua had victory. Christ also had victory. Rom 8:3-4 In conflict Joshua and Christ interceded. Josh 7:5-9; Lk 22:32; 1 Jn 2:1

KINSMAN - REDEEMER
There is an Old Testament theme of the kinsman redeemer. It is specified in Levitical Law. Lev 25:48-49 The law provided for God’s people to be saved from slavery by having their freedom restored through the purchase by a near relative. “Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.” Lev 25:49 The word “redeem” comes from the Hebrew word ga'al Strong’s No. 1350 which means a deliverer or avenger. Elsewhere we see ga’al associated with the name of God as Yahweh Ga’al. Ps 107:2 cf. Ps 19:14; Isa 14:14; 44:6 This redemption could happen also in regards to a relatives property or wife in the case of death. We see this worked out in the story of Ruth. Ruth 3:12-13, Heb 2:14-15 There were requirements associated with this right. The kinsman redeemer must both be a relative and have the resources and ability to redeem which required the paying of a ransom. This was a type for Jesus in His work of redemption in the New Testament. Ruth 4:4-6; Jn 10:11, 18; 1 Pet 1:18

MELCHIZEDEK
Abraham had a curious relationship with Melchizedek in Gen 14 which reveals that Melchizedek is a type for Christ. Ps 110:4; Heb 5:5,8,9,10 Melchizedek was the king of Salem or the King of Peace. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. Christ was a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Ps 110:4 Christ is declared to be the priest of that Psalm in Hebrews. Heb 5:7 Melchizedek brought bread and wine and blessed Abraham after his victory. Gen 14:18 This is a type for Jesus who is the living bread. Jn 6:35, 48, 58 Jesus also said his followers will drink his blood. Jn 6:53-56 Near the last hours before his arrest, Jesus taught his disciples how to commune with him through the elements of bread Lk 22:19 and wine. Lk 22:17-18

MOSES
Moses was a type for Christ in many ways. The Study Of Types, pp. 165-168 Both Moses and Jesus births were associated with miracles. Moses and Jesus were both endangered as infants by murderous rulers who feared prophetic impact on their thrones. Ex 1:8-10, 12, 22; cf. Mt 2:1-18 Both were deliverers. Ex 3:7-10, cf. Acts 7:25 Both were rejected by their brothers. Ex 2:11-15; cf. Jn 1:1; Acts 7:23-28; 18:5-6 Both were rejected by Israel at their first coming into Israel, but are accepted at their second coming. Ex 4:19-31, cf. Rom 11:24-26; Acts 15:14, 17 Both Moses and Jesus interceded for Israel. Ex 17:1-6, cf. Heb 7:25 Moses provided manna in the wilderness which was a type for Jesus as the Bread of Life. Moses revealed that Christ when he said a future “prophet” would come that Israel must follow. Jn 1:21, 25, 45, 5:46, 7:40 Like Moses, Jesus was to be Prophet, Num 34:1-2 cf. Jn 12:29; Mt 13:57; 21:11; Acts 3:22-23 Priest, Ex 32:31-55; 1 Jn 2:1-2 and King. Deu 33:4-5; Jn 1:49 Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 68-69

TYPICAL EVENTS

THE ARK OF NOAH
In the midst of nearly universal judgment for sin, God saved Noah and his family. The ark is a type for our salvation bought by Jesus Christ. 2 Pet 2:5; 1 Pet 3:20; Heb 11:7; Lk 17:26-27; Mt 24:37-38; The Study Of The Types, p. 26; Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 74 When God sealed Noah into the ark, Gen 7:16 there was an idea in the Bible of their being protected by a "covering" designed by God. Gen 6:14 The Hebrew word for that "covering" is "kapar." 3722 Elsewhere this word describes God's atonement as a "covering for sin." This Hebrew word is a verb, the noun, "kapporet" 3727 is translated into the "cover of gold" that sat atop the Ark of the Covenant called the "Mercy Seat." Ex 25:17-22, 34 The whole idea of "covering" has the meaning of "atonement" and it is a type for salvation through Jesus Christ. Nelson's Bible Dictionary The ark passing safely through the waters of death has been viewed as a type for Christ's death. When it came to rest on the mountain top, that was a type for Jesus' resurrection. The Study Of Types, p. 46 The people preserved in the ark are types for those remnant of Israel who will be saved during the great tribulation and go through that tribulation as believers. The Study Of Types, p. 28

THE BURNING BUSH
The scene of Moses being drawn to the burning bush has a type foreshadowing the Person of Christ. Ex 3:1-7 Dr. Lewis Chafer included this type, quoting Dr. A.B. Winchester, who said the burning bush was a type for the two natures of Christ. Dr. Winchester sees separate qualities in the bush which would not be consumed and the consuming flame. “That lowly bush burning unconsumed is a type radiant with the glory of the ... Lord Jesus Christ. It foreshadows Him in the mysterious constitution 1 Tim 3:16 of His complex Person and in the great redeeming work which necessitated for ... the union (not blending) of the divine and human natures in one mysterious and glorious Person. The flame in the unconsumed bush typified the presence of Yahweh - Jesus, anticipating, as in other types, the future appearing in the “flesh” of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” Systematic Theology, vol. 1, p. 340

DELIVERANCE FROM EGYPT
The whole scene of Israel being delivered from Egypt into the wilderness is filled with types. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 70, Heb 11:29 Crossing the Red Sea on “dry land,” while their enemies died in hot pursuit, speaks of salvation through Christ as Sovereign God over the mightiest nation on the planet. The "manna from heaven," which the children collected and ate daily, is a type for Jesus, being the "bread of life," miraculously produced more bread in the wilderness. Ex 16:4; Jn 6:47-51 cf. Mt 16:8-10 Moses "struck the rock" with his staff to obtain water. That rock is a type for Christ who was beaten before he caused the waters of life (the Holy Spirit) to be released. Ex 16:4; Jn 14:16, 26; 16:7; Acts 2:1-4

ENTRANCE INTO THE LAND OF PROMISE
For Israel in the wilderness, the Jordan River could not be crossed without faith. All of the promises of God were available across Jordan. The promises of God can only be appropriated and maintained by faith. Israel's forty years of unbelief in the desert are a type for the consequences for unbelief. That entrance was a type for the way Christians enter into a place of joy, victory, and rest in Christ. The entrance into the promise land and salvation is made by faith. The “Angel of Yahweh” who met Joshua near Jericho was the preincarnate Jesus Christ appearing in a Theophany. The battles, warfare, conquest and victories Joshua experienced have their parallel in Paul’s letters where he taught that our enemies are not flesh and blood and we have been given a sufficient armor for battle. Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 70-71

TYPICAL THINGS

Nearly all aspects of Jesus' death were explained through types in Israel's sacrificial system.

SACRIFICIAL LAMBS
Sacrificial Lambs. Atonement by the shedding of blood was taught. Lev 17:11 From the earliest times, Lambs were sacrificed. Gen 4:4; 22:7 These lambs were typical of Jesus. John said Jesus was called a sacrificial lamb in eternity past long before Bethlehem. Jesus was that "Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world." Rev 13:8 John the Baptist confirmed this when he said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.;" Jn 1:29 cf. 1 Pet 1:19, Acts 8:32, 1 Pet 2:21-23